Evie Summers
Old Yeller is the name of a popular 1957 film produced by Walt Disney, based on the 1956 novel of the same name by Fred Gipson. The story revolves around a boy and a stray dog in post-Civil War Texas, and has become a part of American culture, with its ending being one of the most famous in film history. The film stars Tommy Kirk, Dorothy McGuire, and Beverly Washburn, and was directed by Robert Stevenson. Old Yeller received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, grossing $6.25 million in the United States and Canada alone. The story of Old Yeller sleeping over is a reference to a scene in the film where the titular dog, played by a shelter dog named Spike, sleeps in the family home, winning over the family and becoming a beloved companion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of release | 1957 |
| Genre | Adventure, Drama, Family |
| Rating | 7.2 |
| Director | Robert Stevenson |
| Producer | Walt Disney |
| Based on | 1956 novel of the same name by Fred Gipson |
| Main characters | Travis Coates, Old Yeller, Jim Coates, Katie Coates, Arliss Coates |
| Actor who played Old Yeller | Spike |
| Breed of dog who played Old Yeller | Yellow Mastador (Labrador Retriever/English Mastiff cross) |
| Weight of dog who played Old Yeller | 170 pounds |
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What You'll Learn
Old Yeller's breed
In the book, Old Yeller is described as a "yellow cur", likely referring to the dog breed known as a Black Mouth Cur, sometimes called a Southern Cur or Yellow Black Mouth Cur. Black Mouth Curs originate in the southern United States and are typically yellow or fawn-coloured with black muzzle markings, though they can also be brown, black, or brindle. They are medium to large-sized dogs with strong and enduring builds. Known for their agility and athleticism, they are often used for hunting, herding, and as watchdogs. They are also extremely loyal and protective, especially of children.
In the 1957 film adaptation of Old Yeller, a yellow male Mastador named Spike played the role of Old Yeller. Mastadors are a cross between a Mastiff and a Labrador Retriever, resulting in a large and playful breed. Despite their size, they are known to be sweet and affectionate, especially towards children.
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Where Old Yeller was found
In the late 1860s, Old Yeller was found by Travis Coates and his younger brother Arliss in Texas. Travis was working in the cornfield of his family ranch in the fictional town of Salt Licks, Texas, when he encountered a stray "dingy yellow" dog. The dog chased a jackrabbit into the field, spooking the family mule, Jumper, who threw Travis off and ran.
Travis initially disliked the dog, who he dubbed "Old Yeller" because of his yellow fur and human-like yell. That night, the dog stole some of their meat, and the next afternoon, Travis saw him splashing in the drinking water pond. That night, Travis hung some venison low, intending to entice the dog into stealing it so that he could banish him the next day. However, he was surprised when Old Yeller spent the night guarding the meat without touching it.
Old Yeller's original master was Burn Sanderson, who traded the dog to Arliss for a horny toad and a home-cooked meal. The Coates family grew to love Old Yeller, who became a loyal companion and protector, saving the family on several occasions.
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Who played Old Yeller
In the 1957 film Old Yeller, the dog Old Yeller is portrayed by a 170-pound Yellow Mastador (Labrador Retriever/English Mastiff cross) named Spike. In Fred Gipson's book, on which the film is based, Old Yeller is described as a Black-Mouthed Cur, a similar-looking but less bulky breed.
The human star of Old Yeller is Thomas Lee Kirk (1941-2021), who played Travis Coates, the boy who befriends Old Yeller. Kirk was an American actor, best known for his performances in films made by Walt Disney Studios, including The Shaggy Dog, Swiss Family Robinson, The Absent-Minded Professor, and The Misadventures of Merlin Jones, as well as the beach party films of the mid-1960s. Kirk's performance in Old Yeller was his big break, and he went on to become Disney's first choice for roles requiring an all-American teenager.
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Old Yeller's relationship with Travis
In the 1957 film Old Yeller, based on the 1956 novel of the same name, Travis Coates is left to take care of his family ranch in Texas with his mother and younger brother Arliss while his father is away on a cattle drive. During this time, a stray yellow dog appears to the family, and Travis reluctantly takes him in, naming him Old Yeller. Initially, Travis is not fond of the dog, who steals food and sleeps in his bed. However, Old Yeller proves his worth by protecting the family on several occasions, including rescuing Arliss from a bear, saving Travis from a bunch of wild hogs, and protecting their mother from a bear. Over time, Travis grows to love and respect Old Yeller, who becomes his loyal companion and profoundly affects his life.
Old Yeller is described as a smart dog and a guardian of the family. He is portrayed as having a well-developed personality and is said to steal the hearts of those who watch the film. The relationship between Travis and Old Yeller is a heart-warming tale of a boy's friendship with a dog, with Old Yeller becoming beloved by the entire family. The film explores the deep bond that forms between Travis and Old Yeller, as they go on adventures and face challenges together.
Despite their strong connection, the story of Old Yeller takes a tragic turn. After Old Yeller fights off a rabid wolf, he is bitten and exposed to rabies. Faced with the risk of Old Yeller becoming rabid and turning on the family, Travis makes the heartbreaking decision to shoot him. This scene has become famous in film history, known for evoking strong emotions and leaving audiences blubbering in their seats.
The impact of Old Yeller's death on Travis is profound. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Travis discovers that Old Yeller has left behind puppies. Travis and his family take in one of the puppies, naming him Young Yeller, and start a new chapter in their lives. The loss of Old Yeller teaches Travis valuable lessons about responsibility, love, and the cycle of life.
The relationship between Travis and Old Yeller is a central theme in both the novel and the film. It explores the transformative power of companionship between a boy and a dog, highlighting the emotional depth and resilience that comes with caring for another life. The story's impact has endured over time, with Old Yeller becoming a cultural icon and a beloved tale that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
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Old Yeller's death
In the 1957 film Old Yeller, based on the 1956 novel of the same name, the eponymous canine protagonist meets a tragic end. The story is set in post-Civil War Texas and centres on a boy and a stray dog. The boy, Travis Coates, initially dislikes the stray, a yellow dog, but eventually grows to love him. The dog is named Old Yeller by Travis, derived from the colour of his fur and his distinctive bark, which resembles a human yell.
Old Yeller proves his worth to the Coates family by protecting them on several occasions. On one such occasion, Old Yeller saves Travis' younger brother, Arliss, from a bear. On another, he defends Travis from a bunch of wild hogs. However, tragedy strikes when a rabid wolf attacks the family. Old Yeller bravely fights off the wolf but is badly bitten in the process.
Fearing that Old Yeller will become rabid and turn on the family, Travis makes the heart-wrenching decision to shoot him. Old Yeller's death is a devastating moment in the story and has become famous in film history. The scene is often cited as one of the most heartbreaking in movie history, evoking strong emotions from viewers.
After Old Yeller's death, Travis discovers that he has left behind puppies, one of which helps Travis cope with the loss. Travis and his family take in one of the puppies, naming him Young Yeller, and start anew with their new companion.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not explicitly mentioned where Old Yeller slept in the film. However, as a stray dog, he likely slept outdoors.
It is not explicitly mentioned where Old Yeller slept in the book. However, given that he was a stray dog who lived with the family, he likely slept outdoors or inside the house.
It is not mentioned whether Old Yeller slept in a doghouse or not.
It is not mentioned whether Old Yeller slept inside the house or not. However, it is possible that he did, especially after becoming a beloved member of the family.
